Pope Leo has expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country earlier this week, leaving many people dead and several others injured.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, the pontiff offered prayers for the victims and extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the disaster.
“My thoughts are with our Venezuelan brothers and sisters who have suffered because of the recent earthquakes that claimed lives and left many others injured,” Pope Leo said.
He also commended emergency responders, medical personnel, and volunteers working in the affected areas, praising their dedication to rescuing survivors and providing relief to displaced communities.
The pope, who served for many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru before his election, has maintained close ties with Latin America. He is expected to embark on a pastoral visit to the region in November, with Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay among the countries on his itinerary.
Meanwhile, the European Union has announced additional humanitarian assistance for Venezuela as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said the bloc had approved €5 million (about $5.9 million) in emergency aid to support communities affected by the earthquakes.
Kallas disclosed that she had spoken with Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, to express the European Union’s condolences and reaffirm its commitment to assisting the country’s recovery efforts.
She added that the EU has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism, enabling member states to deploy search-and-rescue teams, firefighters, and medical personnel to support local emergency operations.
According to Kallas, the bloc is also using its Copernicus satellite programme to assess the extent of the damage and help direct humanitarian assistance to the worst-affected areas.
Rescue operations are continuing as authorities work to locate survivors, provide emergency relief, and begin rebuilding communities devastated by the powerful earthquakes.
